Hyde House hosts Augustson's teachings

That's what Dale Augustson had to say during his workshop on Saturday at the Hyde House.

Five local art-enthusiasts attended Augustson's abstract workshop as they learned some different techniques and shared ideas for their own works of art. Not only paint, but egg shells, coffee grounds, shards of glass, rocks and seashells could all be found somewhere in the collection of artwork.

“I love it,” said Helen Kunze, local artist, “I'm used to a more traditional style so this lets me just let go and have fun.”

The workings of Augustson, of Springfield, are still available for viewing in his exhibit at the Hyde House called “Expressions from an Abstract Mind,” until Sunday, April 8. He says art came into his life at an early age, and just never left.

“We had a great art teacher in elementary school and we did all kinds of fun stuff,” Augustson said. “It may have come from that – It's just always been there. I'm glad to be retired and do what I love.”

Augustson received his first award in 1967 from Northern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois University. He was awarded second and third place in the Regional Photography Contest for High Schools. He attended Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and went on to receive an associates degree in photography from College of Du Page Glen Ellyn, Ill., and a bachelor's in fine arts from Drury University in Springfield, Mo.

Augustson teaches art classes; stained glass, acrylic mixed media, acrylic abstract painting and mosaics at Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, Mo., where he has work on display in the office of Continuing Education.